Daily Inspiration: Meet Lee Gerson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Gerson.

Hi lee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

Mine is definitely a multi-volume biography!

i’ll begin with an introduction: My name is lee gerson. I am a neurodivergent (AuD/HD), ambidextrous, multidisciplinary creative living in los angeles, by way of new york city.

I am a multi-media artist, hairstylist + colorist, occasional fitness model and content creator, writer, baking certificate holder, former full-time strength coach, yoga/pilates instructor + community leader in the running space. These days i share that knowledge in much smaller and selective settings.

My start in running coincided with the rise of social media–my atypical (at the time)appearance and lifestyle combined with a natural ability to run fast and win races offered opportunities in a space i didn’t ever see myself in. I got to travel, make friends all over the world, changed careers (and eventually changed back), relocated and gained a following and a voice. While I am not as competitive as I once was, i see running as an opportunity to bring awareness to animal welfare, social injustice, racism and inequality.

These days I am fortunate that i get to earn a living doing all the things that i love: art, hair, fitness, cooking–albeit, not always at the same time, but I’m working on that!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. It is still a daily battle navigating potholes.

I came to LA from NYC, mid-pandemic and after dealing with some very dark personal struggles. Life as a fitness professional became quite difficult to navigate in a new city, with clients mostly virtual, and the availability of so much content from global brands who had the availability to undercut those of us who were self-employed with free offerings.
I found myself doing hair for friends more and more ( i should note that before i was in fitness, i had gone to cosmetology school and was working full time, in salons, from 2010-2015). I fell back in love with it. Building a clientele in los angeles is not the easiest–especially when salon life really is not suited for someone who is autistic for myriad reasons. In my time away from doing hair as a primary focus, building a clientele became more predicated on having a social media presence first and foremost. Between changing salons, and then leaving to work for myself, things have not been so steady.
Though in addition to seeing private clients, I started assisting hair on photo + video shoots; i’ve even started to key on some smaller shoots!. It was a world i didn’t have any experience in and has been so fun to learn a whole different facet of the business, ways of working with hair. It keeps everyday different and exciting–making the very long days worth it.
As someone whose first love is, and always will be, painting; consistent commissions and sales are something that elude me. This year, I was fortunate to combine my love of running and art for a big commercial commission. I would love to find more opportunities like that. I’ve had some sales and been pushed creatively, but I’ve also had a lot of things fall apart. I choose to focus on carving my own space and I feel positive that things will align.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Art:
I am a multi-media abstract painter with a focus on large scale works using found and repurposed materials, texture, and bold color palettes. I also do portraits using the same techniques. I suppose you would call my style abstract-realism. I think what sets me apart from others is what sets apart any artist from another: their mind. i like to think of a work of art as a visual depiction of the inner-workings of someone’s brain at a particular moment in time. I am most proud of being able to keep pushing myself to try new things–of not being afraid to make a mistake. it’s often the mistakes that lead to the best ideas.

Hair:
I work with all genders and types of hair. If i had to choose a specialty–it would be haircolor. i really love how it is the perfect blend of art and science. I cut and barber and do extensions as well. I take clients in home and offer concierge services as well, including weddings.
As a session stylist, i work mostly in beauty, fitness and commercial campaigns. I get to meet so many interesting and talented people; and most importantly, i get to keep trying and learning new things.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is being able to wake up without worry–to be confident in one’s chosen path. I don’t believe i’ve achieved success yet, but. it’s on the horizon

Pricing:

• artworks + commission pricing, available upon inquiry
• hair service pricing list available upon request

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.colorfulllee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gersonperson
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/colorfulllee